Urgent UK holiday warning over ‘life threatening’ danger at popular beach

LIFEGUARDS have issued an urgent holiday warning over a "life-threatening" danger at a popular UK beach.

A towering 65ft "sheer cliff" of sand at Crantock, near Newquay, Cornwall could be brought down by surf lapping at its base.

The cliff is teetering after a section of the 65ft dunes collapsed on Wednesday.

Anyone who strays within 164ft of the cliff could face "life-threatening consequences" if they are trapped.

RNLI lifeguard Lewis Timson said: "With the dry weather and surf of three to four foot expected the nature of the sand dune system is predicted to shift and remain unstable for the foreseeable future and risks collapse at any time.

"Sand is extremely heavy, and in the event of the dune collapsing, there is an increased danger of becoming buried with potentially life-threatening consequences.

"The change in direction of the river at Crantock which has increased the risk of rip currents in the water.

"I advise anyone visiting the beach to keep well clear from the dune system, swim between the red and yellow flags.

"Please speak to our lifeguards if you have any concerns or questions."

Anyone who sees the cliff collapse is asked to call 999 and ask for the coastguard and fire service - and not put themselves in danger.

It comes after was issued to holiday makers after a child was seen "disappearing" into a dangerous sand cave at the beach.

On Facebook, the Crantock Surf Life Saving Club posted an urgent warning, it read: "On Good Friday one of our patrols intervened when a child was seen disappearing into this sand cave that they had burrowed into the dune cliff.

"They spoke to the child about the dangers and took action to collapse the hole safely to prevent anyone else from being tempted to climb in.

"The sand collapsed with very little effort showing just how dangerous it could have been if the sand had been dislodged by the child’s spade or someone unaware walking above.

"Collapsing sand can suffocate. This post is to help educate people to please enjoy the beach safely so please please no negative comments. Positive words and shares only please."

Cornwall Council also issued a message about the same potentially deadly dunes earlier this month.

It said: "Please stay away from the base of the sand dunes at Crantock Beach. Due to the recent bad weather and spring tides, there is a risk that sand could fall from the cliffs.

"The National Trust, which owns the beach, and the RNLI are asking people to stay away from the base of the sand cliffs and not allow children to play near them."

It comes after residents in one of the UK's best seaside resorts said they are terrified burrowing rats could bring down their picturesque cliffs.